What Is Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate?
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate is a synthetic surfactant created from medium-chain fatty alcohols that contain between 12 and 15 carbon atoms. These alcohols are first reacted with ethylene oxide to add around 15 ethoxy units, which boosts water solubility. The alcohol ethoxylate is then treated with sulfur trioxide and neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the final sulfonate salt. The result is a water-friendly molecule with a fat-loving tail that efficiently loosens dirt and oil.
The ingredient emerged in the 1970s, when formulators sought milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. Its balanced cleaning power and lower risk of skin irritation quickly made it a staple in personal care labs. Today it appears in many rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths and makeup removing wipes. It also shows up in some exfoliating masks and pre-shave formulas where a gentle yet thorough cleanse is needed.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas this ingredient serves one main purpose.
Cleansing: As an anionic surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water, allowing oils, sweat and product buildup to mix with water and rinse away. It creates a soft lather, helps distribute the product evenly and leaves skin or hair feeling clean without an overly stripped sensation.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin since it lifts excess sebum without leaving a heavy residue. People with very dry or reactive skin might find frequent use a bit dehydrating because any cleanser that removes oil can also take some of the skin’s natural moisture with it. Those users may prefer shorter contact time or a formula buffered with extra humectants.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturing typically relies on plant or petroleum based fatty alcohols and does not require animal testing in many regions that follow modern cosmetic regulations.
No research suggests specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all skincare choices with a qualified health professional to be safe.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreen performance. It is also compatible with most other skincare ingredients used in cleansers such as mild acids enzymes and conditioning agents.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Dryness or tightness prolonged contact or high concentrations can remove too much natural oil leading to a dry feeling
- Mild irritation or redness especially on already compromised or very sensitive skin
- Stinging in the eyes if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare cases of sensitization have been reported resulting in itching or rash
- Color fading in dyed hair frequent shampoo use may gradually lift artificial pigments
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (very low)
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate is highly water soluble and rinses off completely so it is unlikely to linger on the skin or clog pores. It lacks the heavy oily backbone common in pore-blocking ingredients and is used at low concentrations in wash-off products. For these reasons formulators generally consider its comedogenic potential negligible.
People prone to acne and breakouts can typically use products containing this surfactant without extra concern.
As with any cleanser, overall pore impact depends more on the full formula and how thoroughly the product is rinsed than on this single ingredient.
Summary
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-15 Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant whose main job is cleansing. Its balanced molecular structure lets the tail latch onto oils while the ethoxylated head mixes with water to lift away dirt, sebum and makeup then send them down the drain. This gives skin and hair a clean feel without the harshness of classic sulfates.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in modern face washes, shampoos, body cleansers and makeup wipes, although it is less of a household name than sodium lauryl sulfate. Formulators appreciate its mildness, dependable lather and ease of use.
Safety reviews by cosmetic regulators show it is non sensitizing and non toxic in the low amounts used in rinse-off products. Still, every skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains the surfactant before full use.